What is a reasonable charge for detailing including wash/clay bar/sealant/polish and interior cleaning? :dunno:

Fjrmann

04-19-2013 07:52 PM

The cost of materials, a few hours, a bit of elbow grease, and the satisfaction of a job you done.

tango131

04-19-2013 09:21 PM

Depends. Hi end independents, meaning folks who are truly knowledgeable and won't mess your car up, I would say 200-600 dollars, all depending on the level of paint correction needed, and hrs spent. For example, this guy. http://www.lustrdetail.com/. No relation or interest in that guy, just have heard very good things. I say search the autopia forums for good recomended folks in your area.

lbjgh

04-19-2013 09:35 PM

1 Attachment(s)

Quoted $240 and I provide the Zaino

Here is one of the cars in his shop...

Teemo Panda

04-19-2013 09:48 PM

Near my Place, a full car Detail is like $350.
i would rather spend $50 to buy the materials and maintain the car myself, unless there is a major paint job to be corrected.

I always maintain my car myself, after the job, it just made me feel good :3

lbjgh

04-19-2013 10:14 PM

Ya, lots of rust in the paint that needs to be fixed with clay bar:bawling:

tango131

04-20-2013 08:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lbjgh
(Post 7531186)

Ya, lots of rust in the paint that needs to be fixed with clay bar:bawling:

250 is not unreasonable to me, especially if it includes interior and some light paint correction. But then again that might be the going rate in your area. Check here. http://www.autopia.org/

Also, if you are not doing any buffing/pain correction, you can do this yourself. It's easy. It will just take you a half day or so.

Lets us know what you decide and post pics of results. :thumbup:

lbjgh

04-20-2013 08:50 AM

tango131, I'll be sure to post pics if and when I get the winter crud cleaned up.

Quote:

Originally Posted by tango131
(Post 7531743)

250 is not unreasonable to me, especially if it includes interior and some light paint correction. But then again that might be the going rate in your area. Check here. http://www.autopia.org/

Also, if you are not doing any buffing/pain correction, you can do this yourself. It's easy. It will just take you a half day or so.

Lets us know what you decide and post pics of results. :thumbup:

poker838

04-23-2013 04:36 AM

I paid $350 for a "new car prep" and Opticoat

karimsha

05-02-2013 05:46 AM

DIY Cheaper

Quote:

Originally Posted by lbjgh
(Post 7529870)

What is a reasonable charge for detailing including wash/clay bar/sealant/polish and interior cleaning? :dunno:

Buy some SONAX Wax and Polishing and a application sponge and some washing soap and Microfiber towels, it wont cost you $50 and check youtube for instructions. Take some 2 3 hours in your garage and get it done. www.sonax.xom

lbjgh

05-02-2013 01:49 PM

I'm getting too lazy to spend three hours polishing my car.

Teemo Panda

05-02-2013 06:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lbjgh
(Post 7531186)

Ya, lots of rust in the paint that needs to be fixed with clay bar:bawling:

WHATTTTTT RUST on your car already :eek:

If i live near you, i would definitely help in detailing your car.

edbiology

05-02-2013 10:46 PM

I feel that no matter how great the auto detailers are, they will never ever be as detailed as the car owner himself. For example, a dirty towel will increase the chance to scratch the clear coat of the car. But would a detailer guy change a clean towel every time the towel he's using gets some dirty? No. I use up to 10 towels when I wash my X3.

Car detailing does require some skill and knowledge, but not that much. Techniques on washing, drying(important for not creating swirls), clay bar, polish, waxing, and everything are on youtube/internet. And I find washing a BMW is really an enjoyment, why pay someone else to do it?

wpattison

05-03-2013 08:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by edbiology
(Post 7560210)

I feel that no matter how great the auto detailers are, they will never ever be as detailed as the car owner himself. For example, a dirty towel will increase the chance to scratch the clear coat of the car. But would a detailer guy change a clean towel every time the towel he's using gets some dirty? No. I use up to 10 towels when I wash my X3.

Car detailing does require some skill and knowledge, but not that much. Techniques on washing, drying(important for not creating swirls), clay bar, polish, waxing, and everything are on youtube/internet. And I find washing a BMW is really an enjoyment, why pay someone else to do it?

Guess it depends on who you use. I've had detailers who were OCD about changing towels for that very reason. You just have to know what to look for when finding an auto detailer. The good ones post pics of their work and testimonials.